2018 marks the 150th anniversary of Japan’s Meiji Restoration, an important period in Japanese history credited for ushering in an era of major political and social change. The subsequent transformation during the Meiji period resulted in Japan’s modernization and democratic transition. This program will discuss political transitions in Indonesia and Myanmar, each of which face crucial challenges in shaping the future of their democratic practices. Through examining democratic transitions, the panel of experts will address issues related to interaction between democracies and authoritarian regimes that continue to influence the future of the region.